Socket 939 512K L2 Cache "512K L2 Cache" does this processor have a 512K cache for each core, meaning it has a total of 512x2=1MB L2 cache? Talladega lights

sorry, fulll name is AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ 2.4GHz Dual Core Socket 939 512K L2 Cache Talladega lights

C'mon dude, all you had to do is look it up. The X2 4600+ has two cores & each have 512k L2, but that is NOT the same as having 1MB L2. Just like each core runs at 2.4GHz isn't the same as having one core that runs at 4.8GHz In games or applications that are not optimized for dual core, the X2 4600+ (approx $269) is roughly equal to a 3800+ (approx $138) http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html?modelx=33&model1=234&chart=70&model2=245

The 4400 has 1M per core, totalling two. It's now down to $255. Much better buy than the 4600. "How many squirrels had to die to make you look fly?!"

maybe i should reconsider dual core Talladega lights

Go with the 4400. Even games that aren't optimized for dual core, it will run like a 3700 because it has 1M cache per core. @ $250ish now, it's a steal! "How many squirrels had to die to make you look fly?!"

Most of these games aren't CPU bound so buying the dual-core protects you for future games I agree that the 1meg cache is important. I'd go with the 1 meg cache then Overclock it 10% so you'll get the same performce as the single core 4000+ listen more talk less